April 28, 2009

All products in the Housepaint Artist Product Line were designed and developed by Well and Good in partnership with the participating artists. The line includes limited edition, high-quality items including archival giclée art prints, buttons, postcards and tee shirts, as well as dishtowels and switchplate covers.

Adhering to the social justice principles and standards presented and maintained by Housepaint, and in line with Well and Good’s commitment to community artistic and economic development, all items were produced ethically and responsibly using reputable local suppliers and producers.

Additionally, 10% of proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to help provide affordable housing. For a full list of the Housepaint Artist Product line, please click the image above or visit www.wellandgood.ca/shop

Broadening the discourse surrounding the current ROM exhibition Housepaint Phase 2: Shelter (Level 4, Roloff Beny Gallery), the idea of a ‘Scrap Condo’ collapses the prevalent modes of shelter in both the “developed” and “developing” worlds into a single form.

A mixed-media drawing, the installation depicts discarded items that are commonly used in the creation of shelter. Combined, they form a massive condo tower that reaches through four floors of the Museum.

The work is a tribute to the resourcefulness of people around the world who are forced to make due with abandoned waste to create their homes.

The hand-painted images depicted in ‘Scrap Condo’ represent actual items left on city streets in both Toronto and New York City. Many carry pre-existing markings, posters, and graffiti. These personalized marks illustrate the connection and value associated with unwanted objects by street artists -- creating a common link between artist and constructor … the search for beauty and purpose in the abject.

There is no one correct vantage point or point for examining this piece. Influenced by street art and site-specific practices, it responds intimately with its situation and encourages the viewers to explore their surroundings

April 10, 2009

A weekend of family-oriented activities bringing the theme and artwork of the ROM exhibit ‘Housepaint’ alive for younger visitors.

Responding to the vibrant street-art styles of ‘Housepaint’, participating children can build mini houses to express what a home means to them. As well, kids can contribute to a larger collaborative project that will raise their awareness of important social issues through a fun and engaging activity.

As an exciting addition, the activities will be facilitated by Sketch, a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for street involved and homeless youth. ( http://www.sketch.ca )